The Bell Inn, Stratford-Upon-Avon

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Nick Davies left this review about The Bell Inn

This one is a prominent Good Pub Guide entry, so you know what to expect. It will be pleasant enough, very food oriented, and rammed on a Sunday lunchtime with family groups. And indeed all boxes ticked. Parts of the building are at least seventeenth century, and like just about every pub in the area a certain local playwright is supposed to have been a regular. Plenty of beams and stone floors and open fires and things, and it's an interesting warren of rooms inside with various extensions including a rather tacky wooden affair. All tables used for dining on a Sunday so it was difficult to tell which bit operates as a pub during the rest of the week.

Stools at the bar meant getting served and seeing what's what was challenging, the more so because the young (female) occupants of the stools were intent on distracting the young (male) bar staff. Wait till after work guys. Anyway, it's a free house, two examples from Purity, two from Sadlers, whose Best was pleasant enough if knocked flat by the thundery weather. And a very nice, if child infested, garden to enjoy it in.

Anyway, definitely worth a look, and doubtless far more enjoyable during the week, but do note it closes weekday afternoons.

On 28^th May 2018 - rating: 7
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